A puppy is at the Homeward Bound quarantine center in Oklahoma City. The Homeward Bound program puts dogs from the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter in shelters in other states. Photos By David McDaniel, The Oklahoman

The dogs are carried in a specially outfitted van that allows for the staffers to monitor the dogs by video camera from the front of the van. They are quarantined at the Steven J. Bentley Center before transport.

Counts said people are often surprised at the demand for dogs at out-of-state facilities.

“We often have more than we can handle here but there are some places where there are waiting lists for adoptable dogs and cats,” she said. “That's why this program is in place. A lot of people don't know that there is that need in other places.”

Pedigree Foundation President Deb Fair said that organization places a high priority on helping local organizations because they are often a good source for new ideas.

“Through no fault of their own more than 4 million dogs end up in shelters and rescue organizations every year,” Fair said. “And nearly half of them never find a place to call home. That's why we work to encourage animal shelters and rescue supporters to look to staff, supporters and the local community for inspiration.”

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Matt Patterson has been with The Oklahoman since 2006. Prior to joining the news staff in 2010, Patterson worked in The Oklahoman's sports department for five years. He previously worked at The Lawton Constitution and The Edmond Sun....